Siba Electric
Siba Elektrik was a German manufacturer of magnetos used on early motorcycles
of Frimlay Road, camberley, Surrey
1954 The Siba Electric company was formed. It supplied a combined starter-generator unit for use on motor cycles, scooters and mopeds. The units were at first imported from Siba Elektrik G.m.b.H., which had a 50 per cent interest in the company
By 1957 the company was itself manufacturing a substantial number of the component parts and importing others from Robert Bosch A.G.
1969 Lucas has told us that in 1957 it was approached by the Chairman of Siba Electric (who owned the other 50 per cent interest in the company) as Siba Elektrik had sold its business in Germany to Bosch who did not wish to own an interest in the small British company. Lucas said that, although at that time it was being asked to make a similar combined starter generator unit, it did not consider that the future for such units was sufficiently attractive for Lucas. It decided, however, to take up the offer of a 50 per cent interest in Siba Electric and purchased the shares, through a nominee, for a consideration of £8,578. It had since lent the company a total of £37,500. [1]
1970 Manganese Bronze Holdings sold its 50 percent interest in Siba Electric to Joseph Lucas (Industries) Ltd [2].